Barbara McClintock Fellowship

Are you interested in research at the forefront of biological sciences? Do you seek to carry out innovative research impacting such diverse topics as biomass conversion, synthetic biology or immunology and infectious disease?  Are you interested in research that addresses problems of national importance? If so, you could be the first Barbara McClintock Fellow at Sandia and join our dynamic team!

We are now accepting applications for the Barbara McClintock Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship, established in honor of Barbara McClintock, an American scientist and cytogeneticist who was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of genetic transposition.

As a Sandia McClintock Fellow, you will:

  • Advance your own creative ideas to make an impact on biological problems important to our nation.
  • Collaborate with highly motivated and talented researchers, with a broad range of expertise, on challenging research questions using state-of-the-art resources.
  • Present your work at key conference venues and in high impact scientific journals.

As one of the country’s largest research facilities, Sandia employs over 15,000 people in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Livermore, California, in an exciting and highly collaborative multidisciplinary work environment. Our mission areas include nuclear weapons, energy, bioscience, earth science, nonproliferation, defense, infrastructure, homeland security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity. The Bioscience Research Foundation (RF), funded through Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, performs R&D required to anticipate, detect, and counter the risks of natural and man-made biothreats (biodefense) and to identify and mitigate the impacts of climate change by advancing scientific understanding and developing technological solutions (environmental security). In biodefense, we address both natural and man-made biological agents, digital biosecurity, and materials, which can be either enabling or a target for manipulation. In environmental security, we address the impacts of global climate change, bioresource security, and the need to drive the circular bioeconomy.

Sandia National Laboratories is committed to nurturing a culture compatible with a broad group of people and perspectives.  Consistent with this commitment, we seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we foster an inclusive research community.

Required Qualifications

  • Have, or are pursuing, a Ph.D. in a biology-related field such as, but not limited to, molecular or microbiology, virology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, bioinformatics or biomaterials, conferred within the past three years, or anticipated by commencement of appointment.
  • Have a strong research background, as evidenced by strong record of research publications and presentations.
  • Your proposed research project in bioscience is compelling and innovative.
  • No previous postdoctoral appointments at a national laboratory.

Desired Qualifications

Ideally, your background would also include:
(not all areas are expected of every candidate)

  • Experience in a bioscience or bioengineering related field
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by participation in scientific conferences and publication in high impact journals
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and demonstrated interest and/or experience in service to the nation
  • Ability to conduct autonomous research and thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments to contribute on diverse problems and applications
  • Proven research community leadership through activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, outreach activities, etc.
  • Related professional experience such as internships in industry or at other national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship

Application Process

To apply for the Barbara McClintock Fellowship:

  • Search "Barbara McClintock Fellowship" on Sandia’s Careers portal.
  • Submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 3-5 page research proposal by July 29, 2022.
  • Have three letters of recommendation submitted to mcclintockfellowship@sandia.gov with "2022 McClintock Fellowship" as the subject line.
  • You can email mcclintockfellowship@sandia.gov with any questions or for help identifying a staff member to provide a Sandia perspective on your proposed research.
  • Complete applications received no later than July 29, 2022, will receive full consideration. Selections are anticipated by September 30, 2022.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Sandia invites you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law, EEO is the Law Poster Supplement, and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Sandia is a drug-free workplace. As a national laboratory funded by a U.S. government agency, we are subject to federal laws regarding illegal drug use. Illegal use of a controlled substance, including marijuana even in places where it does not violate state law, may impact your ability to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Energy security clearance, and may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment.